The Best Clothes Irons Under $50

By Maralyn EdidJune 18, 2018

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Photo credit: FabrikaCr/istockphoto

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Anyone who wears business or formal attire regularly — not to mention crafters, costume designers, sewers, and quilters — knows the importance of a top-notch iron. But there's no reason to pay top price to give your garments a crisp, finished look. Cheapism.com has identified several cheap steam irons for $50 or less that earn high marks from expert testers and user reviewers alike. We've also included a cheap travel iron and a few pricier picks for those seeking the convenience of a cordless model, or willing to splurge on a ritzier Rowenta iron. Finally, there's our choice for the best cheap clothes steamer, which can also be used to clean carpeting and furniture, freshen draperies, and even sanitize surfaces.

The best steam irons can be used with or without steam, produce plenty of moisture when needed, glide easily over material, remove wrinkles from all kinds of fabrics, and set seams and creases with ease. Other features we looked for include a broad soleplate with lots of vents to distribute steam evenly, a precision tip to snuggle up around buttons and into tight spaces, a self-cleaning function to avoid mineral buildup, and a no-drip design (although the latter is rarely failsafe). Nearly all irons have an auto-shutoff feature that shuts them down within 30 to 60 seconds if they tip or are left flat. But upright shutoff times vary from eight to 15 minutes, a potential safety concern for parents of curious young children.

Prices and availability may vary.

Photo credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

SUNBEAM STEAM MASTER GCSBSP-201

Good Iron With Retractable Cord Under $50Est. Price: $25 | Buy it on Amazon

Cons:- At 1,400 watts, it's less powerful than the best cheap steam irons. - A few owners complain about leaking, rusting soleplates, and short lifespans. - Large soleplate makes ironing cumbersome, some say.

Takeaway: Owners love the Sunbeam Steam Master for its retractable cord, even though the on-board storage adds some bulk to this steam iron. Quilters and sewers, in particular, say it's a great crafting iron for the price. Despite its lower wattage, the generously sized holes on its larger-than-average 12.6-inch soleplate provide very good steam disbursement. A cause for concern among absent-minded clothes ironers (but a potential plus for crafters), this Sunbeam's three-way auto-shutoff feature takes a relatively long 15 minutes to kick in when left idle in the upright position. Overall, however, praise for the Steam Master's low price and generally strong performance carries the day.

Cons:- At 4 pounds, this steam iron is on the heavier side. - Some users complain about hot sputtering from steam holes and durability issues. - The dark tint of the water reservoir can make it difficult to check levels; many say the settings on temperature dial are also hard to read.

Takeaway: The relatively wide stainless-steel soleplate on the Black & Decker Allure Professional D3030 makes quick work of ironing, according to reviews. While its relative heft may be an issue for some, the pressing prowess that comes along with that weight — coupled with 1,600 watts of power and generous steam output — sets this Black & Decker iron apart from many of its budget counterparts. Satisfied owners say it delivers real value for the money, although some suggest that it may have to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Photo credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

ROWENTA STEAM CARE DW3180

Pros:- Temperature and steam output automatically adjust to suit the fabric. - 350 micro steam holes across a stainless steel soleplate. - Precision tip makes it easy to iron around buttons and collars. - Rounded back end for a smoother glide and less catching. - Strong shot for vertical steam and flat pressing. - Anti-drip system and anti-scale setting.

Cons:- Inadequate heat for fabrics like cotton and linen, some say. - Scattered reports of leaks and sputtering. - Water level is hard to see, some users say. - 1-year warranty is comparatively short.

Takeaway: Skeptics doubtful of the ability of an iron to determine optimal fabric settings on its own admit to being duly impressed by this self-adjusting Rowenta steam iron's "smarts" and say it makes ironing clothes incredibly easy. Detractors complain that, even at 1,600 watts, this model feels somewhat underpowered, taking longer than other irons to remove wrinkles and sometimes leaving clothes looking less than crisp. However, most users appreciate its no-burns, no-fuss approach. Both longtime loyalists and new converts to the Rowenta brand insist that the Steam Care DW3180 does not disappoint.

Cons:- At 3.6 pounds, this iron is heavier than many others. - Some reports about sticky steam buttons, inconsistent temperatures, and leaks. - Comparatively short 1-year warranty.

Takeaway: Highly regarded by professional testers, the Shark Ultimate Professional G1505 receives somewhat mixed feedback from users. Chief among the complaints is this model's weight and size, although plenty of owners say those are the features that make quick work of ironing chores. Although it has a longer, 15-minute auto-shutoff period, a few reviews complain of the need to wait for the iron to cool completely before it will turn on again. Some reviewers also grouse about a malfunctioning steam button and the usual array of glitches associated with budget irons. But for the most part, fans far outnumber critics, and this Shark iron enjoys support from scores of users who say that it offers terrific bang for the buck.

Cons:- Some complaints about leaks and a fragile cap over the fill hole. - A few owners say the auto-shutoff function is temperamental. - Weighs nearly 4 pounds.

Takeaway: This 1,500-watt Black & Decker Digital Advantage iron boasts a loyal fan base. With over 5,000 reviews on Amazon (the vast majority of them positive), many users tell of buying replacements after a well-used model finally has run out of steam. Owners like the ease of use, the large surface area of the soleplate, and the wide range of settings, as well as the strong steam output. They say the weight helps eliminate wrinkles and set creases. Professional reviewers tend to agree, awarding points for the relatively low price and strong performance.

Cons:- 6.75-ounce water tank is comparatively small. - Users say the soleplate tips and upright support "legs" are vulnerable to breaking off. - Temperature knob location is not ideal, a few reviews say. - 1-year warranty is comparatively short.

Takeaway: The biggest selling point of this 1,500-watt Panasonic 360 steam iron is its unique dual-tipped construction. Consumers appreciate being able to iron in any direction without stopping. (Left-handed users particularly appreciate this iron's versatile form.) Several say the design eliminates repetitive motion and reduces strain on hands and arms, and at just 3 pounds, this iron is lighter than most. Reviewers also like the smooth, easy gliding and wrinkle-eradicating performance of the ceramic soleplate. We did read several complaints about premature demises, however, and buyers should also be mindful of easy tipping and fragile ends.

Takeaway: Rowenta steam irons, with their German pedigree, command a fierce following. No matter the model, the name is synonymous to many with hard-to-beat quality. Reviewers claim the Rowenta DW5080 is a particular champ, gliding over all kinds of fabric, quickly pressing even the most stubborn wrinkles, and maneuvering easily around buttons with its precision tip. The ergonomic placement of the controls right on the handle makes it very easy to adjust. Some balk at the need to refill the tank fairly often — the byproduct of generous steam production — but truly negative reviews of this top-selling, highly rated iron are rare.

Takeaway: Clad in eye-catching blue, the Rowenta DW9280 delivers top-notch performance, experts and thousands of user reviewers agree. Owners say it's a breeze to operate, with its automatic adjustment feature. Like other Rowenta irons, it has a pointed tip to reach tight spots and a nonstick soleplate that glides across clothing. This Rowenta "professional" iron also has some perks its everyday brethren don't share, like a larger water reservoir, digital display, and 1,800 watts of power. Perhaps its biggest selling point: A steam burst that's the most powerful of any Rowenta iron (seven times stronger than the entry-level Steam Care DW3180). With this pricier pick, ironing proceeds quickly and efficiently and, according to some users, no longer feels like a chore.

Photo credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

PANASONIC NI-L70SRW

Bonus: Best Cordless Iron Under $100Est. Price: $69 | Buy it on Amazon

Cons:- At just over 5 ounces, the water tank is much smaller than others. - Some users complain the iron doesn't hold heat for very long. - No self-cleaning system. - Relatively short 1-year warranty.

Takeaway: This cordless Panasonic iron is a winner on the convenience front, especially for quilters and crafters. Users crow about the freedom to move the iron around without the constraints of a cord and the ease of whipping it out for small jobs like touch-ups or pressing a seam. Many say the 1,500-watt Panasonic NI-L70SRW gets hotter than other cordless irons and holds heat well, although some users gripe about having to recharge and reheat too often. At 5 pounds, this cordless steam iron is heavier than many other models, but few users seem to mind. It's got three basic heat settings (high, medium, and low) and three steaming options.

Photo credit: Courtesy of target.com

SUNBEAM HOT-2-TROT GCSBTR-100-000

Pros:- Variable temperature control; shot of steam. - Nonstick soleplate and pointed tip make it easy to maneuver. - Weighs just over 1 pound, far less than standard irons. - Travel case helps make it easy to pack and store.

Cons:- Drips and sometimes spurts rusty water, according to some users. - No self-cleaning system, unlike most steam irons. - No auto-shutoff, which raises some safety concerns. - 1-year warranty is comparatively short.

Takeaway: This 800-watt Sunbeam travel iron smooths and presses surprisingly well given its light weight and small size, reviewers say. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to grip and operate. It slips easily into carry-on luggage and works overseas without an external power adaptor — two big pros for travelers. A number of owners say the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot makes a great second clothes iron at home or at the office, too. Sewers and crafters are also big purchasers and claim it's a good addition to their work rooms. Just be careful of leaks and drips, a frequent complaint against this iron. And although some crafters consider it a perk that the iron doesn't shut off automatically, forgetful users may lament the need to unplug it immediately after use.

Photo credit: Courtesy of amazon.com

PURSTEAM ELITE GARMENT STEAMER PS-910

Bonus: Best Clothes Steamer Under $100Est. Price: $65 | Buy it from Amazon

Cons:- Pauses periodically to generate more steam. - No trigger to control steam flow. - Some complaints about durability.

Takeaway: Clothes steamers, also called garment steamers, are a must for anyone who hates to iron. They excel at removing wrinkles from fine fabrics and freshening business attire and formal wear. Tailors and costume designers swear by them. For the average consumer, the best clothes steamers have a number of other home uses and can come in handy for sanitizing surfaces, cleaning sofas and chairs, removing stains from carpeting, and smoothing draperies. Some highly rated clothes steamers cost $200 or more, but the PurSteam Elite PS-910 performs well for a fraction of the price, satisfied users say — and many back up their reviews with before and after photos. Other than some reports of premature demises, the main grumble about this inexpensive clothes steamer is that it delivers only about a minute's worth of steam before having to pause briefly to generate more.

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